Delight your taste buds with the ultimate Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, featuring a marinade so rich in flavor it will transform your dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This recipe is designed for ease and speed, ensuring a delicious meal is ready in minutes, perfectly complemented by a side of fluffy white rice. Prepare to satisfy your inner “shrimpaholic” with these irresistible shrimp skewers!
Looking for another quick and delightful shrimp dish? Discover our effortless shrimp scampi pasta recipe, ready in mere minutes.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs: Your New Favorite Dinner Solution
Embracing the grill for cooking shrimp has been a delightful discovery, and it’s quickly become my preferred method for preparing this versatile seafood. While I’ve always enjoyed shrimp prepared on the stovetop, like in classic Scampi Pasta or a hearty shrimp stew, grilling imparts a smoky depth and a wonderfully charred texture that’s truly unmatched. Shrimp holds a special place in my heart – it cooks incredibly fast, meaning no tedious overnight marination is necessary. Plus, with two out of three of my children utterly obsessed with it, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The only downside? The price. So, whenever I find a great deal on fresh, plump shrimp, I stock up! This recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of those occasions, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. As the warmer months fade and the chill of winter approaches, these grilled shrimp skewers offer the perfect excuse to fire up the grill one last time, extending the joy of outdoor cooking just a little bit longer. Imagine savoring these tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp under a crisp, clear sky – a dream meal that requires minimal effort, just a few simple ingredients, and roughly 10 minutes of cooking time.
Why Choose Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp isn’t just a cooking method; it’s an experience that elevates the humble shrimp to new heights. The high heat of the grill sears the shrimp quickly, locking in their natural juices and creating a slightly smoky, caramelized exterior. Unlike pan-frying or boiling, grilling adds a distinctive char and a delightful texture that complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. It’s also a healthier cooking option, requiring less oil than other methods, and it keeps your kitchen cool, especially during warm weather. Moreover, threading shrimp onto skewers with vegetables makes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation, turning a simple meal into a festive occasion.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade for Unforgettable Flavor
The secret to truly exceptional shrimp kabobs lies in a flavor-packed marinade. Our signature marinade is inspired by time-honored family recipes, blending simple ingredients to create a complex and aromatic profile. Olive oil forms the base, carrying the flavors of freshly minced garlic and a blend of aromatic spices: earthy cumin, fragrant dried oregano, and refreshing dried mint. A touch of tomato paste adds a subtle tartness and depth, balancing the flavors perfectly. This combination ensures every bite of shrimp is infused with a rich, savory essence, making these kabobs stand out from the rest. The honey in the marinade helps in caramelization and adds a slight sweetness that balances the spices and tomato paste, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
🥄 Step-by-Step Guide: Effortless Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Creating these delectable grilled shrimp kabobs is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. Remember, the full, detailed instructions are available in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Flavorful Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried mint, and tomato paste. Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated, forming a fragrant, cohesive mixture. This blend of spices and aromatics is what will infuse your shrimp with an incredible depth of flavor.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the prepared marinade. Toss gently to ensure every piece of shrimp is evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This brief marination time is sufficient for shrimp, as its delicate texture absorbs flavors quickly without becoming tough. While 30 minutes is ideal, even 15 minutes will yield delicious results if you’re short on time.
- Prepare Your Skewer Vegetables: While the shrimp is marinating, prepare your choice of vegetables. Classic choices include bell peppers (red, yellow, or green for a pop of color and flavor), onions (red or white, cut into substantial chunks that won’t fall off the skewers), and cherry or grape tomatoes. Cut the bell peppers and onions into pieces roughly the same size as your shrimp for even cooking and a balanced presentation. Other great options include zucchini, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness.
- Assemble and Cook the Kabobs: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 10-15 minutes prior to assembling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp and prepared vegetables onto the skewers, alternating them to create colorful and appealing kabobs. Ensure the components are not packed too tightly, allowing for even heat circulation.
- Grill or Bake to Perfection:
- For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the assembled skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill for approximately 7-8 minutes in total, turning them halfway through, until the shrimp turn opaque pink and the vegetables are tender-crisp with visible char marks. Overcooking shrimp will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
- For Baking (Oven Method): If grilling isn’t an option, these kabobs bake beautifully in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink. For a slightly charred finish, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve these fantastic shrimp kabobs hot with your favorite accompaniments. Whether it’s fluffy white rice, pasta, warm pita bread, or a fresh salad, they are incredibly versatile. While the oven method is convenient, I highly recommend using the grill if you can. The unique smoky flavor and char that only a grill can provide truly elevate this dish to another level.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Before grilling, ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can buy them pre-prepped, or do it yourself. Then, toss them in a simple yet potent marinade. My go-to marinade, inspired by my mom’s kitchen, consists of good quality olive oil, finely minced garlic, and a selection of common, flavorful spices. This combination locks in moisture and infuses the shrimp with incredible taste.
For these kabobs, I’ve found that a blend of cumin, dried oregano, and dried mint provides a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Cumin adds an earthy warmth, oregano brings a classic Mediterranean herbiness, and dried mint offers a unique, refreshing undertone that prevents the flavor from being too heavy. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering it, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic and savory dish.
Cooking time for shrimp skewers varies slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill. On average, you’ll want to grill them for about 7-8 minutes, turning once halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink and curl slightly. This recipe also includes detailed oven instructions, which typically take 13-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). While grilling offers that signature smoky flavor, you can certainly achieve delicious results in the oven, or even on a stovetop grill pan.
You have two main options: wooden or metal skewers. Wooden skewers are convenient for single use and require soaking in water for at least 10-15 minutes before use to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable, conduct heat well, and don’t require soaking, but they can get very hot, so handle with caution. Choose based on your preference and what you have available.
You can certainly do some prep work in advance. The shrimp can be marinated for up to an hour in the refrigerator (any longer and the acid in the marinade can start to “cook” the shrimp). Vegetables can be chopped and stored in airtight containers. You can even assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling, storing them in the refrigerator, covered. However, for the freshest taste and best texture, it’s always best to grill them just before serving.
Beyond white rice, these kabobs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider a light quinoa salad, roasted asparagus, grilled corn on the cob, couscous, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside some garlic bread or a creamy potato salad. The options are endless, allowing you to tailor the meal to your taste and occasion.
Other Irresistible Shrimp Recipes We Love
- Shrimp Scampi: A timeless classic that’s quick, garlicky, and utterly satisfying.
- Spicy Shrimp with Wild Rice: For those who crave a little heat, this dish brings vibrant flavors and wholesome grains together.
- Shrimp in Minty Sauce: An unexpectedly refreshing and aromatic take on shrimp, perfect for a unique meal.
- Oven Baked Samosas with Shrimp: Crispy, savory pastries filled with a creamy shrimp mixture, a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Related Flavorful Recipes to Explore
- Baked Shrimp Scampi: A simple and delicious meal that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are baked with garlic, lemon, and butter, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is ready in just 20 minutes.
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos: Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, these tacos are ready in less than 15 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight.
- Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish made with tender, juicy shrimp and a flavorful garlic and butter sauce. Here is my shrimp scampi recipe without wine, a simple dish your family is going to love.
- The bold spices and tangy sour cream sauce on these Baja Shrimp Tacos are going to make your mouth sing. Kick back and relax on a tropical vacation with this 20-minute easy dinner idea.
These amazingly flavorful grilled shrimp skewers, with a subtle hint of tartness from the tomato paste, are delicious, easy, and incredibly quick to prepare. If you enjoy this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating to help others discover this fantastic dish!
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
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dinner
American
Halal
10 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
20 minutes
6
servings
461.8
kcal
Amira
Ingredients
-
4
Tablespoons
olive oil -
3
garlic cloves
minced -
2
teaspoons
salt -
¼
teaspoon
pepper -
1 ½
teaspoon
ground cumin -
¾
teaspoon
dried oregano -
¾
teaspoon
dried mint -
1
Tablespoon
honey -
1
Tablespoon
tomato paste -
2
pounds
extra large shrimp
peeled and deveined
Vegetables for the skewers:
-
2
medium onions
quartered. -
2
medium bell peppers
cut into chunks. -
1
pint
grape tomatoes.
Instructions
- In a deep bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients (olive oil through tomato paste) and mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and combine until the shrimp are thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Arrange the marinated shrimp and prepared vegetables (onions, bell peppers, grape tomatoes) alternately onto the skewers, ensuring they are not too tightly packed.
To Grill:
- Heat your grill to medium heat. Place the shrimp kabobs on the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes total, turning them halfway through, until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are cooked through.
Oven directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for 13-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are perfectly pink and opaque.
Video
Notes
** Please note: the provided nutrition facts do not include the additional vegetables added to the kabobs.
Calories from Fat 248
Nutrition
Calories:
461.8
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
21.6
g
|
Protein:
32.6
g
|
Fat:
27.6
g
|
Cholesterol:
267.5
mg
|
Vitamin A:
340
IU
|
Calcium:
113
mg
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This post has been updated from the August 2018 original. Last updated March 2019.